Visit AWN on Twitter Visit AWN on Instagram Visit AWN on Google Plus Visit AWN on FlipBoard Subscribe to AWN

One of the world’s most important digital skills contests is now open to aspiring artists in VFX, Animation, Games, VR, Motion Graphics, Concept Art and Design; entries will be accepted in all categories now through June 1.

The Rookies are now accepting entries for its global competition – the Rookie Awards. One of the world's leading digital skills contests, now in its 12th year, the Rookie Awards recognize the talents of aspiring artists who want to launch their careers in the fields of visual effects, animation, games, VR, motion graphics, concept art and design.

Three major new sponsors, Autodesk, Unreal Engine, and Lenovo are participating this year. The following companies are also sponsoring the contest and actively helping provide opportunities for aspiring digital artists:

Adobe; SideFX; Teradici; Chaos; Dell Technologies; Epic Games; Foundry; GridMarkets; Marmoset; Marvelous Designer; Maxon; NVIDIA; Ninja Theory; Wacom; Weta FX; 2G Studio; 3D World; BVN; Crystal Dynamics; DNEG; Dr.Reel; Flipped Normals; GRAPH; INDG; IO Interactive; Kilograph; On Animation Studio; Outpost VFX; Sini Software; That's No Moon; Unity; Unsigned Studio; beloFX; and Realworld One.

"Celebrating new talent and ideas, The Rookie Awards provides creators of all skill levels with a much-needed platform in their emerging careers,” noted Julie Lottering, director, Unreal Engine Education at Epic Games. “Epic is proud to sponsor The Rookies as they continue to recognize the exceptional work of students and schools across the globe.”

This year sees a Mega Prize Giveaway valued at $25,000. One lucky winner will be randomly selected and win a fully kitted out workstation from Lenovo, as well as various software licenses and hardware.

“Autodesk is proud to sponsor the Rookie Awards again this year,” commented Diana Colella, VP, Media & Entertainment Business Strategy & Marketing, Autodesk. “I’m continuously amazed and inspired by the passion, imagination, and incredible talent of aspiring artists, and look forward to seeing how this next generation raises the bar even higher.” 

“We are really excited to introduce Virtual Fashion as a new category,” remarked The Rookies co-founder Andrew McDonald. “With the rise of digital photography and the fashion industry adopting more sustainable production methods, it’s the perfect time to showcase the talent emerging from training institutes around the world.”

“We are really proud of our judging panel this year, which has a strong female voice with more than 80 incredibly talented and trailblazing women in their fields,” added The Rookies co-founder Alwyn Hunt.

The official Category Groups and Categories are:

Important dates for the Rookie Awards are:

Additional information is available here.

Debbie Diamond Sarto is assistant news editor at Animation World Network.

Contact Us | About Us | Terms Of Service | Privacy Policy | Media Kit

AWNtv.com: AWN Television | Videos | Channels | Categories | Playlists | Submit Your Films AIDB.com: Animation Industry Database | Production Companies | VFX Houses | Schools

© 2017 AWN, Inc. AWN.com - Part of the Animation World Network - 13300 Victory Blvd. Suite 365 Van Nuys, CA 91401